You have just eaten at a nice restaurant for the evening. You are fine until you climb into your bed. To begin with, you feel bloated, like you have too much gas. After burping, you can still taste your food, and your chest starts feeling abnormally warm. When trying to cough and resolve the situation, you feel burning all the way though your digestive system. Now, unable to sleep, you try to drink something to ease the pain. You are experiencing heartburn, and here are five ways to help control it.

• Know your causes - After several cases of heartburn, you probably know generally what sets it off. Some foods are more known for causing it than others. Fatty and spicy foods are notorious, as they trigger acid production in the body. Other foods that could cause it are: chocolate, fruits, vegetables, and especially tomato products.

• Don’t Eat Late - It is not a good idea to sleep soon after eating a large meal. Acid is at a higher level, due to the need to break down food, and lying down will open a valve that will allow the acid to travel to parts of the body that it should not. Before sleeping, give your digestive system time to do its job.

• Take a pill if necessary - Though you know it is bad, you may not be able to stop eating or drinking the substance that causes heartburn. Some over-the-counter medicines are sold with the specific purpose of reducing heartburn. Two possibilities are Zantac® and Pepcid AC®. Take them about an hour before a meal.

• Lose Weight - Excess weight could be a trigger for heartburn. For many overweight people, their extra pounds could be the problem. Especially in men, weight is stored in the midsection, which puts unnecessary pressure on the sphincter, which causes acid reflux. A change in diet, along with an exercise program can help to reduce or eliminate heartburn.

• Reduce Stress - Stress can be the cause of many unhealthy activities, such as drinking, smoking, and overeating. If stress is increasing for some reason, find a way to relax or a person to discuss it with. Venting can help you calm down.

Share these tips with someone who is suffering from heartburn. A little information can go a long way towards preventing this problem.